HF Foundation, a subsidiary of HF Group, has rolled out a mentorship programme for artisans, where they acquire hands-on experience through placement in existing projects.
According to Caroline Sikasa, HF Foundation Senior Programs Manager, the initiative is part of an ongoing training and internship programme whose aim is to improve the quality of technical skills in the construction industry.
The HF Group, through the foundation, has been at the forefront of improving the quality of the construction industry by partnering with like-minded players in the public and private sector to empower artisans.
The programme, which kicked off last year in partnership with the German Corporation for International Development, supports trainees in selected institutions to gain hands-on training in occupations related to the construction sector and facilitates practical internship opportunities.
“We recently hosted a mentorship forum at our Komarock Heights development, for 75 artisans who were also awarded certificates for having completed a three month internship training in the trades of masonry, plumbing, building and construction and electrical installation,” said Caroline Sikasa
Currently, Kenya’s informal sector employs more than 80 percent of the workforce.
The sector has been under threat in the recent years due to harsh economic environment. Training in the sector is, therefore, vital.
“We believe this approach will ensure competency based education and training which is demand driven and also promotes enterprise culture so as to offer a wide range of employment opportunities to the youth,” she added.
Through the Foundation, HF Group is the first private sector player to spearhead this Vision 2030 flagship project through partnerships with industry contractors such as Ultra Power Systems, Josil Construction Limited, Endeavors Company Limited, Aggregate Construction Limited and learning institutions such as Kenyatta University, Lamu Vocational training Centre, Ukunda Youth Polytechnic, Kisii National Polytechnic and Kaiboi Technical Training Institute.
